Our 12 Favorite Things to Do in Ella Sri Lanka

From the moment we started planning our Sri Lanka trip, Ella was one of the places we couldn’t stop talking about.

Tucked away in the hill country, this small mountain town is surrounded by mist-covered peaks, jungle, and endless tea plantations — the kind of scenery that makes you slow down and enjoy nature.

It’s a place that feels both peaceful and full of adventure. Sure, it’s home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, but there are so many other unforgettable spots waiting to be discovered — waterfalls, scenic hikes, and views you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

If you’re building your Sri Lanka itinerary, this guide shares our favorite things to do in Ella, where to stay, the best restaurants, and tips to make your trip even better based on our own experience.

Best things to do in Ella Sri Lanka

1. Ride the scenic Kandy to Ella train

Our absolute favorite experience connected to Ella Sri Lanka wasn’t even in town itself — it was the world-famous train ride from Kandy to Ella. This journey is so iconic that it easily earns a spot on our list.

While the train actually starts in Colombo, the real magic begins after Kandy. Rolling tea plantations, lush jungle, and misty hills stretch out in every direction — it’s the kind of view you can’t get enough of.

We especially loved leaning out of the open doors, feeling the breeze on our faces as the scenery rushed past.

You can easily combine this ride with stops in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, both worth adding to your Sri Lanka itinerary. Only four trains depart from Kandy each day, with tickets starting at 1,200 LKR.

Tips for the best views: Sit on the right side between Kandy and Nanu Oya, then switch to the left after Nanu Oya.

2. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge

One of the main reasons people visit Ella, Sri Lanka, is to see the famous Nine Arch Bridge — and as soon as we saw it in person, we totally got why it’s such a big deal.

This 24-meter-high bridge was built entirely from stone and bricks without a single piece of metal, which makes it even more impressive.

A few trains cross the bridge each day, but the schedule can change, and trains are often delayed, so the best way is just to ask a local for the most up-to-date times.

We took the short 15-minute walk through the jungle (this is the starting point), and it was a great choice — easy, scenic, and with a bit of adventure.

Once you arrive, check out the viewpoints above for panoramic views, then walk down below to see the bridge from a different angle. There are also a few little stalls selling drinks and snacks if you want to hang out and wait for a train to pass.

3. Hike Little Adam’s Peak for the views

If you’re after a stunning viewpoint that doesn’t demand a full-day hike, Little Adam’s Peak is perfect. It’s an easily accessible trail with incredible views, and one of the first places we visited in town.

The trail starts near Ella Flower Garden Resort, but if you want to save some energy (or skip the less interesting part), grab a tuk-tuk to Ravana Pool Club and start from there.

We decided to walk the whole way, and it was a nice warm-up for the rest of our hikes in the area.

Reaching the first viewpoint took us about an hour at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for photos. Once at the top, we noticed the second viewpoint in the distance. It’s another 20 minutes, but totally worth it — the views get even better.

The hike is relatively easy, no guide needed, and there’s no entrance fee. We went in the late afternoon, and there were a few people with us on the trail.

If you go early in the morning, you might even get some mist rolling through the valley, which would look amazing in photos.

4. Hike Ella Rock

While a bit more challenging than the quick Little Adam’s Peak hike, Ella Rock is one of the most rewarding hikes around the town. From the top, you’ll get sweeping panoramic views over the town, rolling tea plantations, and endless green hills stretching into the horizon.

We recommend starting before sunrise — the golden light spilling over the mountains is incredible, and you’ll likely have the peak almost to yourself. Plus, it’s cooler and much easier to hike in the morning.

Depending on your fitness level, it will take about 3–4 hours round-trip. The trail can be a little confusing, especially in the first half when you’re walking along train tracks, so we suggest downloading an offline map on Maps.me or Mapy.com.

You can do it without a guide, but if you’re unsure about directions or prefer someone to lead the way, local guides are easy to find in town.

Wear proper shoes — the last section is quite steep and can be slippery if it has rained recently. Bring enough water and some snacks; there are a couple of small stalls along the way selling coconuts and tea, but not much else.

5. Swim at the infinity pools of Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls is still a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s getting more popular every year — and honestly, we can see why. For us, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Ella Sri Lanka.

We almost skipped it due to bad weather, but we decided to go anyway, and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences in Sri Lanka.

We started at the upper pools and slowly made our way down toward the edge of the 220-meter cliff. Along the way, we passed several stunning natural infinity pools where you can take a refreshing swim.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few safe spots for cliff-jumping from one pool to another, though we recommend checking the depth with locals before you try.

The water was pleasantly cool, which felt amazing after hiking in the sun. And then came the grand finale — the cliff’s edge, where the waterfall plunges all the way down into the valley below.

The view here is simply unreal, with three different infinity pools stacked right at the edge. The last one is as close to the drop as you can safely get — it’s the ultimate photo spot.

If you have time for only one waterfall, make it Diyaluma.

6. Marvel at Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops. This 25-meter cascade sits right in the heart of Ella Gap, surrounded by lush jungle and rocky cliffs.

It’s beautiful year-round, but if you visit during the rainy season, you’ll see it at its most powerful.

What we loved is how easy it is to get here — the waterfall is visible right from the main road, so you can stop for a quick photo or walk a few minutes to get closer and feel the spray on your face.

If you hike Little Adam’s Peak, you can even spot it in the distance from the trail.

You can swim in the natural pools at the base, but the rocks can be slippery and the current strong after heavy rain, so take care.

7. Go on a Tea Factory Tour

Sri Lanka is world-famous for its tea — and honestly, seeing where it all comes from was one of the highlights of our time in the town. You’ve probably heard of Ceylon tea, but tasting it fresh at the source is a whole different experience.

Tea production here goes back to 1867, and Ella is one of the best places to see it in action. We loved watching the workers move so quickly and skillfully, filling huge baskets with fresh leaves.

Our favorite spot was the Halpewatte Tea Factory — the largest in the region. We joined a short tour where we learned how the leaves are picked, processed, and packed, and then finished with a tasting session overlooking the hills.

The tea was so smooth and fragrant that we bought a few packs to bring home but it didn’t last long.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ella besides hiking and chasing waterfalls, definitely add a tea factory visit to your list — it’s the perfect way to connect with one of Sri Lanka’s most important traditions.

8. Get a taste of adrenaline on the Flying Ravana zipline

As you hike Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll pass the Flying Ravana Adventure Park — a fun stop if you’re looking to add a bit of adrenaline to your day. The park offers a mix of activities, from ATV rides and climbing walls to its main attraction: the two-wire zipline.

Stretching half a kilometer over a lush green valley, the zipline gives you an adrenaline rush as you speed across. Entry is allowed for kids aged six and above, and an adult ticket for foreigners costs 9,900 LKR.

We didn’t try the zipline ourselves — it looked a bit short for us after doing some longer, more epic rides elsewhere — but if you’ve never tried one before, this is a great place to tick it off your list.

9. Relax in Ravana Pool Club

Ravana Pool Club by 98 Acres Resort is hands down one of the most beautiful places to chill in Ella. Surrounded by mountains, this spot has beautiful pools — including a dreamy infinity pool — and serves fresh cocktails and tasty food.

What we loved the most was the Bali-inspired design that makes you feel like you’re in a luxury tropical escape.

The basic 2-hour entrance starts at 4,000 LKR, and you can also upgrade to the VIP Lounge if you want something extra special.

Since it’s right at the end of the Flying Ravana zipline, it’s perfect to combine both in one day.

We’d recommend starting at Nine Arch Bridge, hiking Little Adam’s Peak, trying the zipline (if you’re up for it), and then finishing the day floating in the pool with a drink in your hand while watching the sun go down.

10. Take a Cooking Class

Any food lover will undoubtedly be intrigued by the chance to learn more about Sri Lankan cuisine and try preparing some of the country’s most popular local meals. Taking a cooking class is a perfect way to learn something new!

Meet your friendly instructor, who will introduce you to all the fresh ingredients. Prepare multiple meals, including traditional hoppers, rice and curry, and honey roti. Once you’re done cooking, it’s time to enjoy the meal!

11. Meet elephants at Udawalawe National Park

Sri Lanka is famous for its incredibly diverse wildlife, and one of the best ways to experience it is by visiting a national park.

The two most popular options near Ella are Udawalawe and Yala. We decided on Udawalawe National Park and visited it before heading to Weligama.

Getting to Udawalawe from Ella was easy, thanks to frequent bus connections. We chose to spend the night in Udawalawe so we could join a morning safari, but it’s also possible to do it as a day trip from Ella.

We went for the morning safari, and the moment we entered the park, we were greeted by two elephants walking right next to our jeep — it felt surreal.

The ride was bumpy but so much fun, with our driver stopping every time he spotted something interesting.

We saw crocodiles basking in the sun, colorful birds flying low over the water, and water buffalos cooling off in the lakes. For us, it was one of the most unforgettable and unique experiences of our trip.

12. Visit Lipton Seat

Lipton Seat is a must-visit spot for any nature lover, photographer, or tea enthusiast. The panoramic viewpoint offers views over rolling tea plantations and misty hills.

I’m sure you know the word “Lipton.” This place is named after Sir Thomas Lipton, one of the biggest names in the tea industry. He used to sit at this spot and admire the vast tea plantations. 

It takes about one hour to get here from Ella. We recommend renting a scooter or hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. The best time to visit is sunrise when the mist is low and the golden hours bring beautiful colors. Expect to pay a small entrance fee.

How to get to Ella

By train

The best way to reach Ella from Colombo, Kandy, or Nuwara Eliya is by taking the train. This train ride is regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, and it’s an attraction on its own.

You can choose between a 1st-class, 2nd-class, or 3rd-class ticket.

You probably know about this train ride from Instagram, where you can often see people hanging out of the train doors. If you’re after the same shot, skip the first class, as you can’t open the door. The second class offers a perfect balance of comfort and value.

Multiple trains are scheduled daily, but they often sell out quickly. Buying a last-minute ticket is almost impossible, so we recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible using 12Go.

By public bus

Although it’s possible to travel from Kandy or Colombo to Ella by bus, the journey is long and less comfortable. From Colombo, you’d need to change the bus in Badulla.

If you’re traveling from the south coast (Weligama, Unawatuna) or Udawalawe, I recommend taking the bus.

In most cases, you’ll first need to get to Wellawaya, where you can catch the direct bus to Ella.

The most significant advantage of traveling by bus is the low cost. However, the journey is CRAZY. Prepare for a fast and bumpy ride. It’s not comfortable and not suitable for everyone.

If you get sick quickly, you might prefer one of the options below.

Hire a driver

Hiring a private driver is one of the most comfortable ways to explore Sri Lanka. With a comfortable airport pick-up, you won’t have to worry about getting from point A to point B.

This option offers great flexibility and the ability to follow your itinerary. It also helps you save precious time by avoiding never-ending public transport connections. However, expect to pay much more for the comfort.

Rent a tuk tuk

If you’re after an unusual adventure, you’ll be happy to hear you can rent your own tuk-tuk for the whole Sri Lankan trip! You need to get a local driving license first; however, the rental company will help you with everything.

This is becoming increasingly popular. If you’re curious about more details, you can check out TukTuk Rental.

Where to eat

La Mensa | A great place if you’re looking for excellent traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. It offers affordable prices, large portions, and yummy food.

The White Rabbit | High-quality, tasty meals are served in a lovely restaurant with unique design and great vibes.

Cafe Chill | One of the most popular places to eat, drink, or chill. They mainly offer Western food.

Where to stay in Ella

Ella offers many accommodation options suitable for any budget, from cute homestays to spacious luxury resorts.

Many options are available directly in the Ella town center, but you’ll also find some unusual resorts on the outskirts.

Below are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Ella.

Best time to visit

We recommend traveling between December and March to get the most out of your trip. This is the dry season in the South and West, and the chances for good weather are highest during this time.

It’s better to avoid the months between May and August when there’s a monsoon season.

April through June are generally considered shoulder months, which offer an outstanding balance between good weather and fewer crowds.

Final thoughts

Ella truly stole our hearts with its laid-back vibe, lush green hills, and beautiful viewpoints. Whether you’re here for the hikes, waterfalls, or to soak in the scenery with a cup of fresh Ceylon tea, this little mountain town is worth every day you spend here.

If we had to pick just two can’t-miss experiences, it would be riding the Kandy to Ella train and visiting Diyaluma Falls — both will leave you speechless.

We hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure.